Police Arrest 2 More MDC-T Officials Over Mangoma Assault

WASHINGTON DC —
Harare Central lawmaker Murisi Zwizwai of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formation of former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and the party’s elections director, Dennis Murira, were Monday arrested by law and order police officers in connection with disturbances that occurred at the MDC-T Harvest House headquarters in Harare two weeks ago.

Deputy treasurer general Elton Mangoma and Youth Assembly secretary Promise Mkwananzi were allegedly assaulted by some party youths following a letter written to Mr. Tsvangirai by Mangoma urging the veteran trade unionist to step down and pave way for fresh leadership in the labour-backed party.

MDC-T sources told Studio 7 the police are also interested in questioning seven youths who include Shakespear Mukoyi, Rhino Mashaya and Paul Gorekore in connection with the assault and violence at the MDC-T offices.

Meanwhile, secretary for security in the youth wing James Chidhakwa, who was arrested last week on charges of assaulting Mangoma, was on Monday remanded in custody to March 10 by Provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe after state prosecutor Tungamirai Chakurira opposed bail on the basis that there was overwhelming evidence against him.

MDC-T spokesman Douglas Mwonzora said the party will soon set-up a committee to investigate the February 15intra-party violence that will be led by Kuwadzana West lawmaker Lucia Matibenga.

Mwonzora also said his party has suspended Budiriro Ward 33 councillor, Sydney Chirombe, on allegations he tried to forcibly sodomize a Harare City Council employee in Kariba on Saturday.

Mwonzora said the victim was the Harare mayor’s driver and the incident happened while they were aboard a house boat on Lake Kariba where councillors had gone on a training session and retreat.

The alleged offence took place in the middle of the night onFebruary 22.